Unit Elections

Elections

Youth membership in the Order of the Arrow is gained through election by one's own peers. It is one of the few organizations in which both non members and members vote in membership elections. A person is considered a youth in the OA until reaching the age of 21. Adult membership in the OA is gained by nomination.

Eligibility

Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.

Adult selection is based on their ability to perform the necessary functions to help the Order fulfill its purpose, and is not for recognition. Selected adult Scouters must be an asset to the Order because of demonstrated abilities, and provide a positive role model for the youth members of the lodge.

The Candidate

Once a Scout is elected, he is considered a candidate, must take part in the OA Ordeal to become a member in the OA. A candidate has up to one year from election to participate in the Ordeal. Ordeals are held twice in the spring and once in the fall Prior to an Ordeal, the Candidate receives a Candidate letter of information, and a registration form. Ordeal registration is not automatic with election.